TERRAPIN INSTITUTE
Terrapin Research
Consortium
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The Terrapin Institute began in 1998 as a consortium of concerned citizens, scientists, resource managers, and educators dedicated to the understanding, persistence, and recovery of diamondback terrapins and other turtles through effective management, thorough research, and public outreach. Consortium members In Maryland, we follow the recommendations of the 2001 Diamondback Terrapin Task Force. In 2003, the Terrapin Institute incorporated as a private non-stock corporation and is managed by the Board of Directors. |
Recommendations for the Conservation and Management of Terrapins
1) PROTECT THE ADULT POPULATION.
2) Limit the use of shoreline stabilization techniques including bulkheads and rock.
3) Promote owner stewardship of nesting sites, purchase and protect nesting sites with high nesting densities.
4)
Establish education and outreach programs using turtles to teach environmental
stewardship and the importance of biodiversity.
Recommendations for
Research and Investigation
1) Develop thorough understanding of population numbers and trends of terrapins in Chesapeake Bay and throughout their range, including demographic studies that investigate variation in reproductive rates and survivorship in these new areas.
2) Investigate the impact of commercial and recreational fishing practices on terrapin populations and evaluate mechanism to prevent turtle mortality focusing on crab pots, eel pots, and other gear that remains submerged.
3) Identify primary terrapin nesting habitat and identify the key physical features of nesting areas that influence the survivorship and sex ratio of developing embryos and hatchlings.
4) Use mathematical modeling approaches simulate current population trends and the impact of changing birth and death rates within populations
5) Undertake molecular genetic studies to identify distinct terrapin populations in Chesapeake Bay and throughout the range.
6) Study the ecology of hatchling and juvenile terrapins, particularly during the first two years of their life to promote increased survivorship through habitat protection.
Recommendations for Teaching and Outreach
1) Initiate education program to promote the use of BRDs in both recreational and commercial crab pots, through presentations, displays in public venues, and contact with individuals.
2) Participate in outreach to students of all ages using the terrapin and turtles as a mechanism to teach biodiversity, natural history, and ecology
3) Develop a facility that can serve as a contact with the public promoting the research, conservation and management of terrapins.
4) Train students and researchers how to study and understand terrapin populations through direct participation in terrapin research.
